President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the Nigeria Police Force to remain professional and impartial in their duties ahead of the 2027 General Elections. He made this statement at the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers in Owerri, Imo State. Tinubu's address was delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. The President emphasized the importance of the Police being seen as a national institution serving the Nigerian people, rather than an instrument of any political interest.
Tinubu highlighted the theme of the conference, "Developing a Nigeria Police Roadmap for Effective Management of Security During Elections." He stressed that the 2027 elections would require careful preparation, professionalism, impartiality, intelligence-led policing, and effective coordination among security and electoral stakeholders. The President assured the Police of the Federal Government's continued support for strengthening its operational capacity and ongoing reforms. This, he said, would enable the Police to effectively manage security during elections.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the SGF on Media and Publicity, Mr Yomi Odunuga, Tinubu emphasized that election security went beyond protecting polling stations and electoral materials. It also involved safeguarding citizens and electoral officials, ensuring peaceful campaigns, preventing violence and intimidation, and creating an environment where Nigerians could participate without fear. The President reaffirmed his administration's commitment to police reform, saying sustainable transformation of the Force would require continued investment in personnel, training, technology, intelligence infrastructure, logistics, welfare, and institutional systems.
Tinubu urged the Police to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve response time, deepen community engagement, deploy technology effectively, and enhance inter-agency collaboration to tackle emerging security threats. He commended the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Police Management Team for their efforts to reposition the Force and respond to security challenges across the country. The President also acknowledged the sacrifices of police officers confronting various crimes, including those who had lost their lives in the line of duty.
The President tasked participants at the retreat with producing a practical and implementable roadmap to strengthen election security and operational preparedness ahead of 2027. He also urged them to lay the foundation for a modern, professional, technology-enabled, intelligence-driven, and citizen-centered police force. Tinubu assured officers and men of the Force of the Federal Government's continued support, while urging them to reciprocate with courage, integrity, discipline, and professionalism in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.
Tinubu's address was part of his administration's efforts to ensure the Police remain impartial and professional in the discharge of their duties. The President's emphasis on police reform and election security reflects the importance of a robust and effective security framework in Nigeria's democratic process. The Nigeria Police Force plays a critical role in maintaining law and order, and its impartiality is essential to ensuring free and fair elections.
The 2027 General Elections are expected to be a significant event in Nigeria's democratic calendar. With Tinubu's urging, the Nigeria Police Force is expected to take a proactive and professional approach to election security. The President's call for impartiality and professionalism is expected to resonate with the Police Management Team and senior officers, who are tasked with implementing the roadmap for effective management of security during elections.
Key points
- President Tinubu urges Nigeria Police to remain impartial and professional ahead of 2027 elections.
- The President emphasizes the importance of police reform and election security.
- Tinubu assures the Police of the Federal Government's continued support for strengthening its operational capacity.
